New Wismar bridge to catalyse Linden economy

─ over 3,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, many of which commute to interior locations and to the capital city

DPI, Guyana, Friday, August 03, 2018

The government will be funding a new Wismar bridge, as such, Lindeners have expressed optimism that their economic fortunes will improve.

Most importantly, the new bridge to be built with GYD $919.3 Million (US$4.4 Million) from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will alleviate the present congestion, especially during peak hours. Officials have also noted that the bridge will significantly complement the Linden to Lethem highway that should begin construction by 2019.

The current bridge is over 50 years old and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has looked to strengthen its capacity to undertake heavy traffic through sandblasting and other mechanisms. Over 3,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, many of which commute to interior locations and to the capital city.

Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arindell noted that the new bridge will be a blessing and along with the highway will turn Linden into an economic hub. Arindell also noted the bridge will help with the rush hour of work and school runs.

Sharing a similar sentiment was municipal councillor Lennox Gasper, who said that he applauds the government’s initiative: “If we are going to open the road from Linden to Lethem and also to Brazil actually connecting the countries and aid in export using Guyana as a port of exit, we need to have a new bridge.”

Gasper noted, that the interior roads in Linden will also have to expand and it is something the municipality will have to look into in the near future. This will allow for a free flow of traffic within the town including the Winnifred Gaskin Highway and the Washer Pond road.

Region 10 Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira believes that the new bridge is an expression of Linden soaring to a new horizon. He reflected on development being stagnant during the previous administration and now to witness Linden finally getting attention is more than a satisfying feeling. “Linden was, for too long, marginalised and left out of the national pie; it is good to see things happening in the town, in the entire Upper Demerara Berbice Region, while Guyana awaits the glory days ahead from the oil, Linden can look forward to two things, the oil, as well as the road from Linden to Lethem, so we are building our economy with double blessings.”

Development in the town of Linden, especially in the hospitality sector has also been noted: in less than one year there were two restaurants, over seven supermarkets, a gas station, an insurance company, several sports bars, a tourism touring company, several guest houses and one bed and breakfast were opened.

By: Vanessa Braithwaite 

Images: Department of Public Information